February 28, 2018 - Danielle Collins and Taylor Fritz are presented wildcards to the BNP Paribas Open by Tournament Director Tommy Haas during the Oracle Challenger Series in Indian Wells, CA.
by BNP Paribas Open
03/04/2018

Four Americans earned main draw wild cards into the BNP Paribas Open as the second event in the inaugural Oracle Challenger Series concluded on Sunday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The Oracle Challenger Series – which kicked off last month with an event at the Newport Beach Tennis Club – gave American players the opportunity to compete for direct entrance to the main draws of the BNP Paribas Open, to be held March 5-18.

Bradley Klahn and Reilly Opelka – the second and third place finishers overall, respectively, captured the wild cards on the men’s side. The two Americans both had strong performances in Newport Beach, as Klahn was the singles runner-up and Opelka reached the semifinals. Opelka also recently reached the semifinals in Delray Beach. Fellow American Taylor Fritz finished in first place in the Series after a win in Newport Beach and a run to the semifinals in Indian Wells, but received direct entry into the BNP Paribas Open main draw on the basis of his current ranking.

The two American female players with the highest accumulated series points, Danielle Collins – winner of the women’s singles final at Newport Beach – and 2017 US Open girls’ singles champion Amanda Anisimova received wildcards to the women’s draw.

Women’s main draw action of the BNP Paribas Open begins on Wednesday, March 7, while the men get underway on Thursday, March 8.

The Oracle Challenger Series builds on Oracle’s commitment to help support U.S. tennis at both the professional and collegiate level.

With the 2018 BNP Paribas Open days away from getting started, we want our fans to have the inside track on who the in-form players are to follow at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Here, five to follow at #BNPPO18:
The History Maker: Hyeon Chung

In an era in which 30-somethings are setting the pace in the men’s game, 21-year-old Hyeon Chung managed to grab plenty of headlines during the Australian Open with a run to the semifinals.

The South Korean shocked the tennis world when he charged past world No. 4 Alexander Zverev and then six-time champion Novak Djokovic en route to the semifinals at a Major for the first time, becoming the first South Korean player to make it that far in Grand Slam singles play.

Chung announced himself in 2017 by claiming the title at the inaugural ATP NextGen Finals, an event in November that showcased the 21-and-under rising stars in the men’s game. Evidenced by his brilliant fortnight in Melbourne, he’s kept that fire into the 2018 season.

With the year off to a fiery start for the youngster, one has to wonder: What damage he could do to the BNP Paribas Open draw?
Daring to Dominate: Grigor Dimitrov

After a career-best 2017, Grigor Dimitrov is aiming even higher this 2018 season.

“I always want to do more,” Dimitrov said earlier this year. “I always expect more from myself.”

Last summer, the Bulgarian won his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati. Then, to close the season, Dimitrov claimed his biggest title yet, winning the ATP World Tour Finals in London. These were two of a career-best four titles he won in 2017, which helped him rise to No. 3 in the year-end rankings, a career high.

With the success of last year behind him, Dimitrov knows there are more goals to chase. He now sets his sights on the BNP Paribas Open, a tournament where he has never advanced past the third round. Will his newfound confidence and form finally see him go deep?
The Comeback Kid: Petra Kvitova

In December 2016, Petra Kvitova was attacked in a home invasion and suffered deep wounds to her left hand, the same one she has used to hold her racket while winning – among other triumphs – a pair of Wimbledon titles.

Always a fighter on the court, she applied that tenacity to her recovery and was back on court in time for May’s French Open.

The two-time BNP Paribas Open quarterfinalist will return to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the first time in two years, and she’ll be doing it on quite the hot streak. Kvitova won back-to-back titles in February, capturing titles in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Doha. She has also soared back into the Top 10 for the first time since the summer of 2016.

What does the desert have in store for the Czech this year? Only one way to find out.
Ukraine’s Shooting Star: Elina Svitolina

Since the start of the 2017 season, Elina Svitolina has won a WTA-best seven titles. Yes, seven. The quick-moving, fast-hitting Ukrainian poses a dangerous threat in any draw.

Just two months into the 2018 season, and the world No. 4 has already lifted two trophies and boasts a 14-2 record (as of Feb. 26). Svitolina solidified her stardom in 2017, winning a tour-high five titles, the biggest coming at the Premier 5 event in Toronto, where she knocked out four Top 10 foes.

The 23-year-old has twice reached the round of 16 at the BNP Paribas Open. Is this the year she makes her desert breakthrough and claims her maiden Premier Mandatory title?
The Americans: Take Your Pick

With a combined seven Americans in the Top 20 of the two Tour’s rankings, it is hard to pick just one to watch out for at the 2018 BNP Paribas Open.

On the men’s side, can Jack Sock, Sam Querrey, or John Isner be the first American champion since 2001?

Sock impressed fans here last year as he advanced to his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal, falling to eventual champion Roger Federer. Months later, the Nebraska native claimed his maiden Masters 1000 title in Paris, a win that also sent him to the ATP Finals in London.

Querrey, who sits at a career high of world No. 11, has won eight of his 10 ATP titles on hard court. Although he has never made it past the round of 16 in Indian Wells, the California native always poses a threat to the top seeds as evidenced by runs to the Wimbledon semifinals and US Open quarterfinals in 2017.

Isner has seen his fair share of success at the BNP Paribas Open, having reached the final in 2012 and semifinals in 2014. Ten of his 12 career titles have come in the U.S. Is this the year the big serving American adds a trophy from the desert to his collection?

On the women’s side, Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys and CoCo Vandeweghe lead the way. Could the last 12 months of success lead any of these women to a BNP Paribas Open title?

Williams will look to improve on last season’s quarterfinal run, where she lost to eventual champion Elena Vesnina. After a 2017 that included two Grand Slam finals, the two-time semifinalist here will look to go a couple wins further this year.

Last year at the BNP Paribas Open, Stephens was wearing a boot on her surgically repaired right foot and wielding a Tennis Channel microphone instead of a tennis racket. Less than six months later, the 24-year-old was lifting the trophy as US Open champion. She comes back this year looking to improve on her best result here, a quarterfinal in 2014.

Keys also made an injury comeback in 2017, returning to action after wrist surgery at last year’s BNP Paribas Open and reaching the round of 16. As the year progressed she claimed her third career singles title, and also reached her first Major final at the US Open.

Slam success also came for Vandeweghe in 2017 as she reached the semifinals at both the Australian Open and US Open. In addition, the California native notched two wins over reigning world No. 1s. She has twice reached the third round in Indian Wells.

Fans at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden will notice that the picturesque venue feels even more vibrant and Garden-like as the festivities surrounding the 2018 BNP Paribas Open get underway in the coming days and weeks. After a full-scale site beautification project that added an impressive 62 palm trees to the venue, as well as numerous floral installations, fountains, and additional greenery, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is truly in “Full Bloom” ahead of the main event – to be held March 5-18 – and ready to welcome fans to Tennis Paradise. Prior to this year’s event, the tournament rolled out a brand-new Full Bloom integrated marketing highlighting the world-class tennis players that participate in the event woven into the natural beauty of the desert landscape; as well as the physical attributes of the Tennis Garden.

For fans who can’t wait for March 5 to get their fill of tennis action, the second event in the inaugural Oracle Challenger Series comes to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on February 24 – March 4, 2018. With the top two male and female American finishers in the series awarded a wild card into the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open, the event will offer fans a sneak-peek of the competitive and exciting action that they can expect over the next fortnight at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The Oracle Challenger Series is free and open to the public.

On Saturday, March 3, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden welcomes families with children of all ages out to the venue for the annual popular Kids Day, a free event with a host of on- and off-court activities to enjoy. The event will include on-court clinics sponsored by HEAD and the USTA’s Net Generation; special appearances by ATP World Tour and WTA professional players; The Living Desert’s Wildlife on Wheels; a climbing wall; music; Harper for Kids and more! Kids Day festivities run from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Fans can take advantage of free admission days on Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6 to take in some exciting Qualifying Round action by both Tours, and even participate in the Making of the Main Draw Ceremonies for the WTA (Monday, March 5) and ATP World Tour (Tuesday, March 6) alongside star players. Draw Ceremonies begin at 3:00 pm both days at Stadium Plaza – and fans can arrive early to dine in one of the many world-class restaurants or concessions on-site at the Tennis Garden, including local favorite Wally’s Desert Turtle, new in Stadium 2 for 2018. Additionally, as is tradition at the BNP Paribas Open, mural unveilings for defending champions Roger Federer and Elena Vesnina will take place during the first week of the tournament.

Beginning Wednesday, March 7, join host Wayne Bryan and special guests at the Tennis Garden Village Stage for the daily edition of Tennis Talk. Special guests include current Tour players; legends such as Chris Evert; and a few surprises!

Evening Entertainment kicks off with the fan-favorite Bryan Bros. Band on Thursday, March 8, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The Tennis Garden Village will come alive as the greatest doubles team in the history of the game and two-time BNP Paribas Open Doubles Champions Bob and Mike Bryan and their band hold an exclusive performance featuring Dan Deshara on vocals, Jim Bogios from Counting Crows and Southern Californian singer/songwriter George Holdcroft. This night session is also Champions Night, where a percentage of all purchased evening session single tickets is donated to The Champions Volunteer Foundation. Other evening entertainers include Rock for Vets, The Killer Dueling Pianos, The Trebles and more through March 16.

Friday, March 9 will feature the annual Salute to Heroes Ceremony, recognizing veterans, military personnel, police and firemen on Stadium 1 following the first evening session match.

Throughout the second week of the tournament, fans can enjoy a number of special activations and giveaways courtesy of our generous partners, including Emirates Day (Saturday, March 10); Bank of the West Day (Tuesday, March 13); Audi Day (Wednesday, March 14); Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours Day (Thursday, March 15); and BNP Paribas Championship Weekend (Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18).

For fans who can’t get enough tennis action, be sure to check out the stars of tomorrow in the annual BNP Paribas Open Collegiate Tennis Challenge presented by Oracle (Friday, March 16 – Sunday, March 18). Admission is free with a valid BNP Paribas Open ticket or event credential.

Check back often, as more exciting events and activities throughout the tournament are continually being added – including daily autograph sessions with star players.

With a combined seven Americans in the Top 20 of the two Tour’s rankings, it is hard to pick just one to watch out for at the 2018 BNP Paribas Open.

On the men’s side, can Jack Sock, Sam Querrey, or John Isner be the first American champion since 2001?

Sock impressed fans here last year as he advanced to his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal, falling to eventual champion Roger Federer. Months later, the Nebraska native claimed his maiden Masters 1000 title in Paris, a win that also sent him to the ATP Finals in London.

Querrey, who sits at a career high of world No. 11, has won eight of his 10 ATP titles on hard court. Although he has never made it past the round of 16 in Indian Wells, the California native always poses a threat to the top seeds as evidenced by runs to the Wimbledon semifinals and US Open quarterfinals in 2017.

Isner has seen his fair share of success at the BNP Paribas Open, having reached the final in 2012 and semifinals in 2014. Ten of his 12 career titles have come in the U.S. Is this the year the big serving American adds a trophy from the desert to his collection?

On the women’s side, Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys and CoCo Vandeweghe lead the way. Could the last 12 months of success lead any of these women to a BNP Paribas Open title?

Williams will look to improve on last season’s quarterfinal run, where she lost to eventual champion Elena Vesnina. After a 2017 that included two Grand Slam finals, the two-time semifinalist here will look to go a couple wins further this year.

Last year at the BNP Paribas Open, Stephens was wearing a boot on her surgically repaired right foot and wielding a Tennis Channel microphone instead of a tennis racket. Less than six months later, the 24-year-old was lifting the trophy as US Open champion. She comes back this year looking to improve on her best result here, a quarterfinal in 2014.

Keys also made an injury comeback in 2017, returning to action after wrist surgery at last year’s BNP Paribas Open and reaching the round of 16. As the year progressed she claimed her third career singles title, and also reached her first Major final at the US Open.

Slam success also came for Vandeweghe in 2017 as she reached the semifinals at both the Australian Open and US Open. In addition, the California native notched two wins over reigning world No. 1s. She has twice reached the third round in Indian Wells.